The first class Japanese language and literature proceeded with an air of anticipation, with Catherine stealing glances at me every now and then. When our eyes met, she quickly averted her gaze, but I couldn't help but notice the hint of a blush on her cheeks. Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't resist asking,
"Is there something on your mind, Catherine?"
Caught off guard, she fumbled with her notebook, attempting to hide her embarrassment. "N-No, nothing," she stammered, her voice barely audible. It was clear that my question had stirred something within her, but she seemed hesitant to reveal her thoughts.
Aina and Kanna, who had been observing the exchange, appeared visibly disturbed by the interaction. As the class came to an end, the next three subjects loomed ahead, but before we could move, the girls approached me, boldly claiming their presence at my side in the bustling canteen. Whispers spread among our classmates, eyes fixated on the unfolding scene.
Breaking the silence, Kanna took the lead, her voice carrying across the tables for all to hear.
"Adrian, I want you. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I knew I wanted to be by your side, to have you as the man who would place a ring on my finger."
I was taken aback by Kanna's straightforward confession. Her open declaration in such a public setting displayed a disregard for her own reputation, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of concern for her well-being. Before I could respond, Catherine interjected, her voice tinged with a mixture of determination and vulnerability.
"Kanna, you can't just expect Adrian to be with you. Love cannot be forced. I, too, fell for Adrian the moment our eyes met."
Aina, unable to contain her emotions any longer, interjected sharply, silencing the other two. "Enough you two! I will be the one to end up with Adrian. I'll make him mine," she proclaimed, her voice filled with unwavering determination.
Whispers filled the air, the voices of our schoolmates echoing around us. "Adrian is so lucky. He's managed to captivate the hearts of three girls," some whispered in awe.
Others murmured, "If only I had his looks, I could capture any woman's heart."
Amidst the commotion, one question echoed through the crowd, whispered with intrigue, "But who will Adrian choose among them?" The anticipation in the air was palpable, as the fate of these newfound connections hung in the balance.
Caught in the midst of this unexpected situation, I couldn't deny that I felt conflicted. While I never desired or sought out this attention, my parents' influence had shaped me into a fine young man who inadvertently drew others to me. I had hoped to come to Ouran Academy to focus on my studies and enjoy my high school years, yet now I found myself entangled in this web of emotions and expectations.
Did I truly want this? The answer was both yes and no. I found myself torn between the obligations placed upon me and my desire for genuine connections. Taking a deep breath, I gathered my thoughts and addressed the girls before me.
"Catherine, Aina, and Kanna, I appreciate your heartfelt confessions. However, let us take the time to get to know each other better. Rushing into a decision is not what I desire. I want to enjoy my time here at Ouran Academy and form connections based on genuine understanding and compatibility."
Kanna's disappointment was evident in her eyes as she responded, "I understand, Adrian."
Catherine chimed in, her voice filled with sincerity, "Yes Adrian. I want to know more about you too."
Aina nodded in agreement, adding, "We won't rush things, Adrian. We respect your concerns."
With this understanding reached, the tension eased slightly, and our classmates gradually returned their attention to their own conversations and activities. The journey to navigate this complex maze of emotions had only just begun, and as I looked at the three girls before me, I couldn't help but wonder how our paths would intertwine and what secrets our hearts would unveil in the days to come.
[End of Chapter 6]